Progress made to manage migration and asylum in the EU

The Commission has taken stock of what has been achieved in the area of migration and asylum over the last four years. Progress has been made on several tracks.

Sustainable reforms are now in place. The Pact on Migration and Asylum was passed in a historical political agreement. This new EU legal framework sets the stage for a fair and efficient migration management, including:

• more secure external borders
• fast and efficient asylum and return procedures with stronger individual safeguards
• a fair and more effective system of solidarity and responsibility.

In the past four years, the Commission has also supported Member States with targeted and operational actions. The EU has expanded its tools to address irregular migration, migrant smuggling, and other challenges by:

• adopting a whole-of-route approach
• strengthening border management
• targeting criminal networks that smuggle migrants
• stepping up returns
• responding to acute needs and crises.

The Commission will continue to engage with international partners to address the root causes of migration, fight migrant smuggling, and promote legal pathways.

Migration is a global reality that can be managed with effective migration policies and the EU’s collaboration with partner countries. From the beginning of its mandate, the von der Leyen Commission has been working towards establishing a sustainable EU framework to manage migration effectively and humanely. Timely implementation of the Pact is now crucial, and the Commission will present a common implementation plan by June 2024. The Commission will be with EU countries every step of the way to support them financially, technically and operationally.

For more information

Managing migration responsibly

New Pact on Migration and Asylum

Press release: Commission takes stock of key achievements on migration and asylum

Migration and asylum